Foldable Cup Holder Mechanism for Space-Efficient Vehicle Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle cup holders are aesthetically unpleasing when retracted, occupy valuable space, and have visible components that detract from the interior design, while also being cumbersome to operate.
Innovation Solution
A foldable mechanism for a vehicle storage compartment with a pivotally configured holder element, telescopic members, a locking element, and a handling member that allows easy operation and aesthetic appeal by minimizing visible components and space usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the holder element is made retractable to save space, then the space occupation is reduced, but visible components remain that detract from aesthetics
Solution Approach 1:
The holder element is nested within the storage compartment when retracted. The holder element can be fully contained within the compartment boundaries, with no visible protruding parts, achieving both space efficiency and aesthetic appeal simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The visible actuation components are extracted and integrated into the compartment structure itself. The release mechanism is concealed within the compartment, allowing the holder element to be operated without visible external components when retracted.
2Volume of moving object
If the holder element is made movable between retracted and deployed positions, then space efficiency is improved, but the mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The holder element transitions from a static to a dynamic configuration, enabling it to move between retracted and deployed positions. This dynamic capability allows the same structure to serve multiple functions at different times, improving space efficiency without requiring separate structures for each state.
Solution Approach 2:
The holder element is divided into segments that can move relative to each other, allowing compact folding when retracted and stable configuration when deployed. The segmented design enables complex functionality to be achieved through simple, modular movements.
3Ease of operation
If the holder element requires manual operation for deployment and retraction, then ease of operation is reduced, but device complexity is minimized
Solution Approach 1:
The holder element incorporates a self-latching mechanism that automatically engages when deployed and self-releases when a release actuator is triggered. This self-service capability reduces the operational steps required while maintaining mechanical simplicity, as the latching and releasing actions are performed by the mechanism itself rather than requiring continuous manual intervention.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The mechanism provides a space-efficient, aesthetically pleasing, and easy-to-operate solution for holding articles in a vehicle storage compartment, ensuring minimal visual impact and optimal use of space when not in use.
Implementation Method 1
The first and second member enclose an opening for receiving the article. The holder element is segmented into a first member and a second member which are telescopically configured and connected to each other with a biasing member in between.
Implementation Method 2
The locking element is a tab protruding axially from the second member of the holder element. Specifically, the locking element locks the holder element in the first recess in the non-holding position and locks the holder element in the second recess in the holding position.
Implementation Method 3
The holder element is pivotally configured on the first wall such that the holder element moves around the pivotal axis to configure a holding position.
Data Source
AI summary
A mechanism for holding an article in a storage compartment. The storage compartment is delimited by a first wall and a second wall and each of the first wall and the second wall is having a first recess and a second recess. The mechanism includes a holder element, a supporting element, a locking element and a handling member. The holder element is articulated in the first wall. The supporting element is pivotally configured on the holder element for supporting a bottom portion of the article in a holding position. The locking element engages a first recess to lock the holder element in a non-holding position and engages a second recess to lock the holder element in the holding position. The handling member is configured on the second member for unlocking the locking element from the first and second recesses to move the holder element between the holding and non-holding positions.